Does pectus excavatum affect a child's growth and development?
Disease description:
Two days ago, when my son had a physical examination at the health care clinic, the doctor told me that my child has pectus excavatum. May I ask whether pectus excavatum affects a child's growth and development?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Pectus excavatum may affect the growth and development of affected children.
1. As a congenital condition caused by sternal deformity, pectus excavatum involves a sunken sternum that may compress the heart and lungs, leading to symptoms related to the circulatory and respiratory systems, such as dyspnea and arrhythmias. These symptoms not only impair the child's quality of life but may also interfere with normal growth and development.
2. Children with pectus excavatum often suffer from poor appetite and impaired digestive function, which may lead to progressive weight loss and further hinder physical growth and development. This effect is particularly pronounced in children with severe pectus excavatum. Therefore, timely treatment and intervention are crucial for children with pectus excavatum to minimize its adverse effects on their growth and development.
